Narcisse, released from his Western Kentucky scholarship last week, has committed to play for Clemson.

"(Their offer) was completely out of the blue," Narcisse said. "I would say I was pleasantly surprised."

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound forward was one of three recruits who signed to play for Horn before he left for USC two weeks ago.

Because of the coaching change, Narcisse requested and was granted a release from his letter-of-intent. He then publicly expressed a desire to attend a school closer to home.

College of Charleston, S.C. State, Furman, Wofford and Presbyterian were among the first in line. Narcisse's father, Bernard Bowman, played at S.C. State.

The one school neither Narcisse nor his mother, Millicent Bowman, would discuss was USC.

It is unclear to what degree, if any, Horn pursued Narcisse for the Gamecocks, who have 12 of their 13 scholarships filled for next season. Only guard Zam Fredrick is headed into his last year of eligibility.

"We wish them well because they are super guys," Bowman said of USC's new staff.

Narcisse, who averaged 13.6 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks as a senior, was widely viewed as a raw mid-major prospect. He started school early and will not turn 18 until October.

Clemson's coaches contacted North Augusta coach Al Young last week to see if they could watch Narcisse work out.

His athleticism, energy and 7-plus foot wingspan apparently convinced the Tigers he could fill the need at the front of their defensive press and serve as a power forward in their system.

He committed after visiting Clemson during the weekend.

Narcisse, who said opposing fans have often called him "Horace Grant" because of his goggles, will join Grant's nephew, Jerai, in Clemson's frontcourt.

He can sign a letter-of-intent today when the NCAA's regular basketball signing period opens.

Narcisse joins a class that already includes three signees -- center Catalin Baciu, point guard Andre Young and wing Tanner Smith.

Clemson is expected to add at least one more member to its 2009 class, featuring two top-100 standouts -- swingman Milton Jennings and power forward Devin Booker.